[pct-l] Rude behavior in Warner Springs

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

So, Scott, when you feed the bears, do you throw the food as if you were throwing a frisbee or tossing a football?


-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Postholer" <public at postholer.com> 

> It's ok to feed the bears. 
> 
> If I throw some food to a bear it's ok. I enjoy it and the bear gets an easy 
> meal. The bear doesn't really become dependent on me, it can choose to go 
> forage in the back country. A bear doesn't have expectations this treat will 
> exist in the future, does it? 
> 
> Feeding the bears also allows me to show my compassion. I go to the expense 
> and energy to 'help' the bears. Why would you deny me my right to exercise 
> my comapassion? Why would you shun my kindness? 
> 
> If a bear trashes a Honda because it's not getting the food it has come to 
> expect from me, that's ok. We take the good with the bad. The wilderness is 
> comprised of many different bears...... 
> 
> -postholer 
> 
> >>>> 
> I certainly hope that Iron Chief was kidding when he spoke about going 
> around punching holes in water cashes. Yes, there are ever more hikers on 
> the trail. Yes, it is getting easier for people to make the hike. But I 
> wonder just how much of a bad thing this is. After all a National Scenic 
> Trail is set aside for the people to enjoy. This begs the question, which 
> people? Shall it only be open to the elite, super fit and prepared 
> uber-hikers, or shall it be open to all the people? Our national parks are 
> open to all as are our national monuments. People are not required to 
> backpack into Yosemite. We do, but that's just the way we are. 
> 
> I understand that the pride of accomplishment is deteriorated a little bit 
> when someone completes the hike that you struggled, trained and planed for 
> without matching your efforts. But come on now. With that logic, the 
> freeways should never have been built because a less-than-hearty stock of 
> modern-day pioneers will come west in air-conditioned comfort and stop at 
> hotels along the way. If they can't do it in a covered wagon, they 
> shouldn't come! 
> 
> In hiking ones own hike, some will be more of a wilderness survivor than 
> others. Okay, so be it. I am not diminished one bit by someone having an 
> easier time than I on the trail, getting through school, seeking fame and 
> fortune, etc. We can all take pride in what we have done without comparing 
> ourselves to others. There is room for all here and no room for 
> viciousness, divisiveness or elitism. 
> 
> Well, that is my feeling anyway. I know that there are those who will 
> disagree with me, and that's okay. That after is the point, difference and 
> the room to express it. 
> 
> Shepherd 
> ------------------------------------ 
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